ISLAMABAD, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has stepped up security and logistical preparations as delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to arrive in Islamabad for high-stakes talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East following a recently announced two-week ceasefire.
The negotiations are expected to bring together senior officials from both countries as part of diplomatic efforts to reach a longer-term settlement after weeks of escalating conflict.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that a comprehensive plan has been prepared to ensure foolproof security for all visiting foreign delegates.
Authorities in Islamabad have introduced sweeping security measures ahead of the talks.
Local holidays have been declared in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to facilitate arrangements. Police, paramilitary troops, and other security agencies are deployed under the Blue Book VVIP protocol, with separate routes designated for the movement of foreign delegations.
Islamabad Police issued a traffic advisory warning commuters of diversions on the Express Highway. Rescue services and hospitals have been placed on high alert. Serena Hotel, a five-star property in the Red Zone, has been reserved exclusively for the delegations, while several entry points to the capital will remain sealed during their stay.
To bring both sides to the negotiating table, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar have held consultations with regional leaders and maintained diplomatic contacts with both Tehran and Washington. Analysts said the country's neutrality, backed by longstanding ties with all stakeholders, gives it unique leverage in promoting dialogue.
Tughral Yamin, retired brigadier and a regional security analyst, described Pakistan's success in convening the talks as "a remarkable achievement," noting that bringing two deeply distrustful parties together was once considered improbable. "It demonstrates ambition and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of peace," he said.
Sharif and Dar on Thursday spoke with several counterparts and senior officials from across the world via telephone, who expressed appreciation for Pakistan's mediating efforts and agreed on the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday warned the United States against allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "kill diplomacy." Israel has said the ceasefire does not cover the conflict in Lebanon, a position disputed by Iran and mediator Pakistan. Hours after the ceasefire came into effect, Israel launched its largest single-day attack on Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he was "very optimistic" a peace deal with Iran was within reach as Vice President JD Vance is prepared to head to Pakistan for talks aimed at ending the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, according to an NBC News report.
However, many analysts expect uncertainties over the outcome of the negotiation. The real challenge lies in shaping a mutually acceptable outcome, requiring pragmatism, flexibility, and careful concessions, Yamin said. ■
